Age: 37

Professional partner: Brianne Delcourt

Freerunning on land is very different to on ice so it’s a bit early to know if I can incorporate any of my moves, for now, I am still learning the basics.

Sébastien Foucan may have founded ‘freerunning’ but admits learning how to skate for ITV1’s Dancing On Ice has been much harder than he anticipated.

Sébastien said, “I would say ice skating is different from what I thought, it’s harder and it’s a difficult task, even just co-ordination and balance when you are on the ice. There’s also always about five things to remember at once but I don’t feel scared so am not afraid to push myself to try new things.”

He continues, “Ice skating is absolutely different from what I am used to doing. The muscles we are using are different, so they are becoming more defined. I am aching a bit in places I not used to working so much, but in a good way! I’m having a great experience in the learning process and I am looking forward to the performances and meeting all the other celebrities properly.

The French star’s jaw dropping skills have even made Hollywood sit up and take notice and earned him a role hit movie Casino Royale alongside Daniel Craig and Sébastien’s hoping he can bring his unique blend of skill and flair to the ice.

He said, “I know it is a competition but I am here to challenge myself. It’s like nothing I have done before so it’s hard to know how well I will compare to the other celebrity skaters. My aim is to be a good ice skater and work perfectly with my partner as one and if we can amaze people by our performance that would be great. I see it more as an art form and that is why I love it and I really want to do a really beautiful performance on the ice!

Teamed with skating professional Brianne Delcourt, who won the competition last year with Sam Attwater, Sébastien admits he’s feeling the pressure to repeat her success.

He said, “Brianne won last series with a great partner (Sam Attwater) and I know they worked really hard so there’s a lot to live up to. I just want to do my very best, for her too.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself. I am really amazed by Brianne’s skill, she is an incredible skater and I want to do better all the time. Even though I haven’t known her for very long we are getting on well. I know its all part of the show and performance but I hope I will not look ridiculous in the costumes! I don’t want to leave the show too early either, so I could say I am dreading the time when we get voted off!”